What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPolypropylene
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolysilicone-11
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveSqualane
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAlumina
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingOpuntia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Ferrocyanide
Chromium Oxide Greens
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polypropylene, Phenoxyethanol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Carbonate, Polysilicone-11, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Kaolin, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Alumina, Silica, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Sodium Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Greens, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Isododecane
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentKaolin
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Silica Silylate
EmollientButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantChromium Oxide Greens
Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Kaolin, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Silica Silylate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Mica, Chromium Oxide Greens
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.
As an absorbent, it is great at mattifying skin by soaking up the oil. This is why you'll find it in a range of products from makeup to moisturizers.
This ingredient is considered a modified starch. Starch can also be found naturally in plants.
One study from 1991 found that 5% of this ingredient enhanced titanium dioxide SPF by as much as 40%. The study found 1% titanium dioxide had a 5.6 SPF and adding 5% of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate boosted it to an SPF of 8.1
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateThis ingredient adds a green color to formulations.
You'll likely see this ingredient as part of the blend that makes up 'emerald powder'.
The other ingredients that make up emerald powder include: mica, titanium dioxide, chromium oxide, and ferric ferrocyanide.
Learn more about Chromium Oxide GreensDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.